The recent Southern California fires recently shook the world. Famous and other prominent people were also affected.
Singer Jhene Aiko is one of many celebrities who revealed that she lost her home in the tragic fires. Unfortunately, this isn’t her first time experiencing this kind of loss, as her family home burned down when she was in 2nd grade.
“Me and my children’s home is gone… burned to the ground with all of our things inside. Lord have mercy. Thankful we still have each other…starting from scratch. My heart is so heavy,” she wrote on her Instagram stories.
The devastating fire through California has caused an estimated $52 billion in damages, laying waste to luxurious estates.
These catastrophic fires, which ignited on January 7th in Pacific Palisades, rapidly spread across Malibu, Santa Monica, and neighboring regions, displacing thousands of residents.
Many celebrities have expressed their grief and pledged support to the victims. However, anxieties linger regarding the fate of their estates and the future of these once-thriving affluent communities.
Celebrities and the value lost
Just days after celebrating his Golden Globe nomination, actor Adam Brody and his wife, actress Leighton Meester, faced a heartbreaking loss. Their luxurious $6.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades succumbed to the flames, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.
Paris Hilton also mourned the loss of her Malibu mansion. Purchased for a staggering $8.4 million in 2021, the property held immense sentimental value for Paris. Sharing a video of the charred remains on social media, she wrote, "This house wasn't just a place to live – it was where we dreamed, laughed, and created the most beautiful memories as a family."
The flames didn't discriminate, and veteran comedian Billy Crystal's $9 million Pacific Palisades residence, built in 1936, was also reduced to rubble. The fire tragically claimed the homes of many of his longtime neighbors as well.
News reached the real estate world as well, with confirmation that realtor.com favorite Cameron Mathison's $3.5 million Altadena home had been incinerated in the blaze. Actor Mel Gibson, known for his captivating performances, also suffered a significant loss. His Malibu estate, valued at a staggering $14.5 million, was completely destroyed by the relentless flames.
Sharing a heart-wrenching video on Instagram, Canadian-American actor Cameron Mathison (best known for his role on "General Hospital") documented the devastation firsthand. The clip showcased a scene of rubble and flames where his cherished $3.5 million Altadena home once stood.
Conspiracy theories fronted
The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have fueled a wave of conspiracy theories, ranging from the bizarre to the downright dangerous
The "Diddy conspiracy": One prominent theory linked the fires to Sean "Diddy" Combs, alleging that the fires were deliberately set to destroy evidence connected to alleged abuse and misconduct at his lavish parties. This theory, while unsubstantiated, gained traction online, fueled by rumors of a "Diddy list" and alleged secret tunnels connecting his mansion to other celebrity properties.
Government involvement: Some conspiracy theorists alleged government involvement in the fires, claiming they were part of a larger plan for "economic warfare" or a "globalist agenda." These theories often included claims of weather manipulation and the use of directed energy weapons to ignite and spread the flames.
"Woke" policies hampering firefighting: Some individuals blamed California's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies for hindering firefighting efforts. They argued that these policies had weakened the fire department by prioritizing diversity over qualifications, leading to a less effective response to the crisis.
‘Agenda 2030’ and smart cities: In recent years, Los Angeles pursued the SmartLA 2028 initiative, aiming to enhance urban living through advanced technologies. However, a conspiracy theory claims that the fires were deliberately set to clear land for smart city development under the UN’s 2030 Agenda. Some social media posts suggest that Los Angeles is part of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) smart city list. These claims draw comparisons to the wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, implying a link between wildfires and smart city initiatives in these areas.
The Hollywood sign hoax: Viral videos falsely depicted the iconic Hollywood sign engulfed in flames, causing widespread panic and fear.
The "Handbag Hero": A widely circulated video falsely claimed that firefighters were using women's handbags to control the flames.